All members were in attendance with the exception of Barney Leinberger.

Public Portion

Jacob Magiera

Mr. Magiera wanted to discuss Melissa Rinaldi, mentioned in Agenda Item #4 from May 6th’s Board of Education meeting. He was notified by the Board of Education attorney, Ms. Isabel Machado, that the board is legally forbidden from discussing individuals but they can discuss positions and salary grade explanations. The board discussed the position of High School Math Teacher, Ms. Rinaldi’s position. There is a teacher shortage in high schools, especially in Mathematics – Roselle Park had three (3) positions in high school mathematics that needed to be filled. The board received 34 resumes and interviewed 16 people. Out of those 16, some were not interested in coming in because they had received positions elsewhere. Twelve candidates were interviewed and out of those, six (6) were called to perform demonstration lessons. The district tries to find staff that can be obtained at the lower end of the salary guide. After the demonstrations, two of the candidates refused the positions because they had received positions at a higher salary in districts closer to their home. The district met with success in higher two candidates – both out of college. One candidate was hired at $3,000 more than the lowest salary grade because that candidate found a higher starting salary in another district. The district, in some cases, tries to negotiate to match other districts. the third positions is still not filled; there are ten (10) more people coming in for interviews and demonstration classes for that position. The board stated that salaries are based on experience and supply and demand. Mr. Magiera asked if the board had two candidates – one out-of-district and one in-district – would the board choose from in-district first. The board answered that no two candidates are identical. Mr. Magiera stated that he would choose from in-district if the case ever arose where two candidates had the same qualifications because he would know the quality of education the in-town candidate received by going through the Roselle Park school district.

Mr. Magiera discussed another person mentioned on the Roselle Park Forum, Mrs. Iachio, and wanted to know if the rumors that she is getting paid to sit in the ECDC. He was notified that Mrs. Iachio has been in the district for 13 years and she is not getting paid for being housed in the ECDC and not working. She works in the Board office supporting the Office of Special Education, as well as the Directors of Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, and ESL.

The public portion was closed.

Superintendent’s Report

The public was invited to comment for the re-negotiation of the school district’ Business Administrator’s / Board Secretary Employment Agreement.

There was no comment from the public.

Agenda Items

Agenda Item 1 was moved, voted on, and carried.

Agenda items 2 through 8 were moved, voted on, and carried.

Agenda item 9 was moved, voted on, and carried.

Agenda items 10 through 24, with the exception of agenda item #14, were moved, voted on, and carried.

Agenda item 20 was discussed. The board recognized Tony Ciardella, vice-president of Grinspec Consulting, on his recommendations for district health benefits. Mr. Ciardella recommended the change from Horizon to Oxford. Mr. Genovese asked if Oxford’s coverage is equal to or better than Horizon’s coverage. Mr. Ciardella stated that was the case. Mr. Iachio and Ms. Rinaldi abstained. The matter voted on and carried.

Agenda item #14 was moved and open to discussion from the board. Mrs. Panetta was not in favor of the agenda because this was a personal request for personal reason, nothing to do with the school or the borough. It was going to be used as a rent-a-hall situation. Mr. Spagnoletti stated that the policy presently does not preclude the use of school grounds for such occasions but that it would be setting a precedent. No matter what the outcome, the policy needs to be addressed. Mr. Genovese recommended that the policy be brought up before the Facility Committee. Mr. Iachio asked if fees and insurance were presented before the board, regardless of the outcome of the vote. The agenda was voted on and all board members opposed. The motion was denied.

Mr. Spagnoletti wanted to recognize the cast from “Anything Goes” and the students from the Talented & Gifted program at the next meeting.

Public Portion

Saul Qersdyn

Mr. Qersdyn asked Ms. Machado if she could provide him with the exact statute, case law, or legal reference that prevented the board from discussing personnel. She stated she did not have the exact statute but she would be willing to provide it if he contacted her via phone or e-mail. Mr. Qersdyn then asked about the pay grade coding. he was told the (B9) pay grade meant that it was nine years of experience with a bachelor’s degree. He was notified that the number is not always the case. It signifies a pay grade. Presently the lowest pay grade open to anyone coming into the school is B5. The difference between B5 and B9 is about $3,000.

The public portion was closed. The next board meeting was scheduled for June 10th. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.